Identification, quantitation and biological activity of phytoestrogens in a dietary supplement for breast enhancement

A hop-based dietary supplement, marketed for natural breast enhancement, was analysed to determine the identity and biological activity of active constituents and potential biological effects in man. Extracts of the dietary supplement were analysed by LC–MSn and phytoestrogens identified and quantitated by reference to appropriate standards. Only hop-associated phytoestrogens were found in the dietary supplement at significant concentrations as follows (mean±1 S.D.); 8-prenylnaringenin 10.9±0.3, 6-prenylnaringenin 27.4±1.2, 6,8-diprenylnaringenin 0.9±0.1, xanthohumol 321±17 and isoxanthohumol 81.1±1.6 μg/g of dietary supplement. The oestrogenic activity of extracts in an ERα reporter gene assay was equivalent to 48±6.3 ng 17β-oestradiol/g supplement and consistent with the 8-prenylnaringenin content. The dietary supplement extract also inhibited reductive 17β-hydroxysteroid oxidoreductase activity, but to a greater extent than a concentration matched reference mixture of hop phytoestrogens. However, the supplement was only weakly active in mouse uterotrophic assays following administration in feed or after subcutaneous injection of extract at doses of 8-PN up to 250 times higher than that recommended for women. These preliminary findings suggest that the dietary supplement is unlikely to produce oestrogenic effects in vivo at the level of the uterus; supporting evidence is still required to demonstrate efficacy.